Reduce dependence on govt orders: Smriti Irani to jute mills

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani today urged the jute mill owners to reduce dependence on government orders and go for enhanced diversification of jute products.

Presently, the government's Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 (JPM Act) allows mandatory packaging of 90 per cent of foodgrains and 20 per cent of sugar in jute bags.

"Jute producers should go for enhanced diversified products rather than depend on government orders," Irani said at an event at the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce & Industry here.

She said it was necessary to reduce dependence on the JPM Act.

"West Bengal should become the largest exporter of diversified jute products," she added.

Jute also holds great potential for finding application in the technical textiles sector which includes automotive applications and geotextiles.

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics that are used in civil construction like building roads.

Regarding the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) scheme of the ministry, she said that at the recent inter-ministerial panel meet, where industry representatives were present, pending issues were taken up and 90 per cent of funds sought under the scheme had been disbursed.

Irani said that till 2022, the government had sanctioned Rs 17,822 crore under the TUF scheme.

She said that the finance ministry had been approached to seek a balance between the domestic and export markets in the textiles sector.